Introduction :
Set
high in the ranges of the Western Ghats in Kerala, is the
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve. It owes its origin to the Maharaja of Travencore,
who was an avid hunter and nature lover. Spice gardens and plantation
estates surround the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Fauna :
Periyar's sylvan environs offer a refuge to many mammals, reptiles and
amphibians and around 320 avian species. The threatened lion-tailed Macaque
and Nilgiri Langur occur here, as do the Flying and Malabar Giant Squirrel.
The elusive Nilgiri Tahr is also present in this park. One can watch herds
of Elephants swimming in the Periyar Lake. This lake was constructed by the
Britishers in the year 1895 by constructing a dam across Periyar river. Now
one can see most of the wildlife around this lake by boat launches. The lake
also has a sizable population of turtles like Travancore Tortoise and the
Black turtle. Periyar is also home to leopard, wild dog, barking deer, mouse
deer, monitor lizards and a variety of snakes and birds. The birds include
darter, cormorant, grey heron, ibis, great malabar hornbill and grey
hornbill, kingfishers, ospreys and kites as well as orioles, hill mynas,
racket tailed drongos, parakeets, including the unusual blue winged paraket
and fly catchers. The animals are viewed from motor launches on the lake and
from watch tower.
Flora :
Due to the presence of large water bodies Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a bird
watcher's delight. It attracts large number of birds both resident as well
as migratory the reason being the presence of astonishingly vast flora.
The forests are tropical, a mixture of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and
evergreen 'sholas', the last occurring in the moist valleys and
characterised by tall trees and a closed canopy. The forests alternate with
extensive patches of grasslands. Periyar's rich bird life includes the Giant
Hornbill, Cormorant, Darter, Osprey and Racket-tailed Drongo. The Indian
Python and King Cobra are among the reptilian fauna. Periyar has a few
Nilgiri Tahr, good numbers of which may also be seen on a day excursion to
nearby Eravikulam National Park near Munnar.
The Geographic location :
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is set high in the ranges of the
Western Ghats in Kerala. The park has a picturesque lake at the heart of the
sanctuary. Formed with the building of a dam in 1895, this reservoir
meanders around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a perennial
source of water for the local wildlife. You may even get a glimpse of the
tiger during this season. A summer palace of the former Maharaja of
Travancore, set along the lake, is a hotel and a fine place to stay.
General Information :
» Best time to visit : October to April
» Accommodation : Lake palace, Spice Village, Taj
Garden Retreat
» Nearest town : Kumily (4 km)
» How to get there : Rail-Kottayam (114 km),
Air-Cochin (200 km) or Madurai (TN) (140 km)
